Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman Killed in Ambush After Attending Peace MeetingThe Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen shortly after attending a peace and security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday afternoon as the MACBAN chairman and one of his associates, Yakubu Isah, were returning from the meeting.
According to reports, the meeting had been convened by security authorities to discuss ways of improving peace and addressing security concerns affecting communities in the area.Sources said the victims were travelling through the Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area when their vehicle was intercepted by armed attackers.
The gunmen reportedly opened fire on the occupants, killing both men at the scene before fleeing to an unknown destination. The motive behind the attack has not yet been established, and no group has claimed responsibility for the killings.
The deceased’s son, Idris Muhammad, confirmed the incident, stating that his father had attended the peace meeting in good faith before the fatal attack occurred on the journey home. He said the family later recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to Oyangede for burial according to Islamic rites.
The killings have heightened tension across parts of Benue State, particularly in the affected communities, where residents fear the incident could trigger fresh violence if not properly handled. Community leaders have appealed for restraint and urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands while security agencies carry out their investigations.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and described the security situation in the area as tense. He appealed to members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that police and other security agencies had already been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any further breakdown of peace.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, also confirmed that the late MACBAN chairman had participated in the peace meeting before the ambush. He described the development as unfortunate and emphasized that the purpose of the meeting had been to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen security collaboration among stakeholders. The Benue State Police Command has acknowledged the incident and announced that an investigation is underway.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said officers have commenced efforts to identify those responsible for the attack and assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Authorities have also appealed to anyone with useful information to assist the investigation. The latest incident comes amid ongoing security concerns in several parts of Benue State, where attacks linked to communal tensions and criminal activities have continued to affect many communities. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained dialogue among affected groups to prevent further loss of lives.
As investigations continue, residents and community leaders are hoping that the circumstances surrounding the killing will be fully uncovered and that those responsible will face the full weight of the law. Many also believe the incident underscores the urgent need for continued peace-building efforts and stronger security coordination to restore confidence and stability in the state.
